Millie Pinakoulaki, Author at Global Volunteers

About Millie Pinakoulaki

Dimitra "Millie" Pinakoulaki responds to inquiries resulting from website listings, and researches social media opportunities and trends. Millie began assisting her mother, Country Manager Sam Pinakoulaki, as a child on Global Volunteers teams in the early 2000s. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and a Master’s in Economic Theory and Policy from the University of Crete. She also recently finished a two-month internship in Istanbul, where she developed a needs assessment for an NGO.

Entries by Millie Pinakoulaki

Cultures and Traditions

New Year’s Traditions Around the World: A Journey Through Five Countries

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, people across the globe celebrate the arrival of a new year with customs passed through generations. While champagne toasts and fireworks may be universal, the unique traditions that accompany this momentous transition reveal fascinating insights into different cultures. From running with suitcases in Peru to smashing pomegranates in Greece, let’s explore how five countries […]

December 30, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

Family Volunteering Cuba, Greece, Italy, Nepal, Peru, Poland, St Lucia, Tanzania

Best Family Volunteer Abroad Programs for Summer 2026

Volunteering as a family is a remarkable opportunity to bond, grow, and positively impact the world. Families strengthen their relationships by coming together to serve others and instill valuable lessons of empathy, compassion, and community responsibility in their children. Whether it is teaching conversational English, helping maintain and improve community buildings, or tutoring students on […]

November 3, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

Classroom Assistance, Conversational English Malaysia

Volunteering in Malaysia: Team 2’s Story of Service in Johor Bahru

With anticipation and excitement, Global Volunteers’ second team in Malaysia embarked on an adventure in service. The team, comprised of 13 dedicated volunteers, arrived in Johor Bahru ready to make a difference over two weeks. Known for its cultural diversity, tropical beauty, and resilient communities, Malaysia embraced Team 2 with open arms. Through meaningful service […]

August 6, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

Cultures and Traditions Nepal

Celebrating The “Holi” Festival – Kathmandu, Nepal!

The Holi festival, known as “Phagu Purnima” in Nepali, is named after the mythical demoness Holika, and is one of the most anticipated annual celebrations in Nepal. A three-day festival of color and joy, Holi is observed on the full moon day, which falls either late February or early March. If you’re fortunate enough to serve […]

August 1, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

News and Updates Malaysia, Peru

Give the Gift of Service: Holiday Volunteering Abroad with Global Volunteers

The holiday season is a time of reflection, gratitude, and giving. You can live the true spirit by volunteering abroad during your winter break. Global Volunteers’ December service programs in Malaysia and Peru offer a powerful alternative to the usual holiday routine. Instead of focusing on material gifts, you’ll build real connections, support local communities, […]

July 29, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

Family Volunteering Peru, Poland, St Lucia

How Painted Fingernails Started a Generational Legacy of Giving Back

Sometimes, the most profound impact isn’t measured in the miles we travel, but by the lives we help change along the way. In 2016, Dawn Mitchell served as a Global Volunteer in Romania, which became the catalyst for something extraordinary. Drawn to international volunteering programs focused on children, Dawn took a leap of faith and […]

July 14, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

News and Updates St Lucia

How TVET in Saint Lucia Is Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce

In the heart of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is redefining education through its dynamic Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, an initiative designed to equip young people with the practical skills and real-world experience they need to thrive in today’s workforce. At the forefront of this transformation is the Sir Stanley John Odlum […]

July 3, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

News and Updates Cuba

New Service Projects in Cuba: Legal Ways to Support the Cuban People

Volunteering in Cuba offers the opportunity to directly support the Cuban people through meaningful service. Global Volunteers invites you to join exciting new community work projects in Havana, including building a senior social center and revitalizing a music school, while also supporting ongoing programs for women, children, and seniors. If you’re seeking a legal and […]

June 26, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

Conversational English China, Malaysia, Nepal, Vietnam

Best Volunteer Service Programs in Asia

Asia’s rich history, spiritual traditions, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultures make it one of the most captivating regions in the world. From the tropical rainforests of Malaysia to the Himalayan peaks of Nepal, and from the ancient temples of Vietnam to the dynamic cities of China, Asia offers an unforgettable blend of heritage and modernity. […]

May 5, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

Conversational English Vietnam

English Helps Visually Impaired Adults Develop Careers in Massage Therapy

Relatively little research is available on the well-being of the large population of visually impaired or blind adults in Vietnam. Global Volunteers’ partner, Blind-Link, a social entrepreneurship program, professionally trains blind young Vietnamese adults for a career in massage therapy, affording them the opportunity to significantly elevate their lives. In this interview, two Blind-Link staff […]

April 2, 2025/by Millie Pinakoulaki

About Millie Pinakoulaki

Entries by Millie Pinakoulaki

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